If I were asked to describe “heartwarming” I might falter in the description of the feeling, but I can confidently say Team Hoyt is an exceptional example of a story that can bring that feeling about.
[From their website]
Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they’re not in a marathon they are in a triathlon — that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America.
It’s a remarkable record of exertion — all the more so when you consider that Rick can’t walk or talk.
For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick. More on their history….
I had the honor of watching them compete during the Northshore Triathlon last fall (Sept 9, 2007). The pride that shows through that team is unparalleled and witnessing Rick & Dick’s perseverance and heart is quite inspiring.
I’m glad to have met them and hope they continue the fight for inclusion.